Proclaimed a UN World Heritage site in 1999, Robben Island is a "must see".

Most likely you will have to endure crowds and being hustled around on a guided tour that at 2.5 hours is woefully too short – such is the price of the islands infamy. It’s likely to be truly swamped in the future as the island’s tourist infrastructure is developed to include accommodation and better roads. Still you must go to see this shrine to struggle.

Used as a prison from the early days of the VOC right up until the first years of majority rule, Robben Island’s most famous involuntary resident was Nelson Mandela. You will learn much of what happened to Mandela and other inmates since one will be leading your tour. The guides are happy to answer any questions you may have, and although some understandably remain bitter, as a whole this is the best demonstration of reconciliation you could hope to see in Cape Town.

Booking a tour is essential as they are extremely popular; otherwise be prepared for a long wait. The boats depart from the new “Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island“ beside the clock tower on Fish Quay.

The Tour entails being guided through the old prison, and includes a 45-minute bus ride around the island with commentary on the various places of note, such as the prison house of PAC leader Robert Sobuke, the lime quarry where Mandela and others slaved, and the church used during the island’s stint as a leper colony. There will be a little time for you to wander around on your own; you could check out the penguin colony near the landing jetty.